This chapter made me realize how technology is changing daily. Every year and day new programs are coming out to increase computer usage. "We are wired 24/7" this is a true statement society realizes on technology for everyday lives.
Students and Learning (chapter 2)
I feel that some students are more computer efficient then some adults. Children are learning younger and younger how to use the computer and use technology as a part of their everyday lives. "Of American households, 71% have Web access." Schools are requiring students to use computers to do homework and have Web access to research information for assignments.
Online Safety and Security (chapter 7)
I feel that online safety is a big concern with students. I think at school students are safe because of the filters on the computers limiting web access. At home is a different story, "Parents want to take primary responsibility for guiding their kids' use of the internet." I think many kids find away around this restriction and get onto sites they shouldn't. My students often talk about myspace and facebook which I feel should be monitored since they are only 9 and 10 years old.
New Schools (chapter 9)
For students to have a brighter future " there has to be a commitment to education, broadband and computer access, and policies to make sure that students are abel to compete in the global market." I feel that more and more jobs are requiring employees to be computer literate. School are the stepping stones in education students in technology to prepare them for the competitive work force.
1 comment:
I think a quote that I heard at the AASL convention in Reno sums it up well - We need to educate students for their future, not our past (Daniel Pink was quoting a school superintendent but I can't remember who).
In addition to the physical infrastructure we need to commit to professional development and to changing curriculum to meet those 21st century skill needs. I believe that the professional development lag is killing us, but I also think that there has to be a desire of the staff to change their practice as well. We seem to have 3 groups in education -
those who understand the need to change and who will seek out and take advantage of training.
Those who will do it if we get them the training
Those who we still have to convince that there is even a need to change.
Interestingly, the last group is not made up entirely of experienced teachers but also includes some of our newest teachers who are coming out of very traditional training programs.
The safety issue is also critical as well as making students understand that their online identity stays with them. A friend of mine who works in an HR department at a major corporation says that they do go online and check what and how applicants post. Her comment was that what seems cute or funny at 20, could cost you a job at 30.
Ann
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